As counting of votes in the West Bengal Assembly poll progressed on Monday (May 4, 2026), indicating a saffron surge in the State, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers took over the streets of the State capital, Kolkata, to celebrate. The party is set to secure power in the State for the first time. However, the residence of incumbent Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee bore a deserted look as early results pointed to a loss for her party, the Trinamool Congress (TMC), after 15 years in power. 

BJP supporters draped in saffron raised slogans of “Jai Shri Ram” atop motorcycles as they rode through the city’s streets, which were largely devoid of commuters and where most shops remained closed.

“The people of the State have voted against the TMC because of atrocities against women, massive corruption, and syndicate culture. This is a personal win for us,” said Santa Ghosh, a BJP supporter celebrating with ‘gulaal (orange colour)’ outside the State party headquarters in central Kolkata’s Murlidhar Sen Lane.